White House Deputy Chief of Staff Richard Walters, a longtime ally of outgoing White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, is leaving the Trump administration following President Donald Trump’s decision to replace Wiles with Stephen Miller.
Miller confirmed Walters’ departure in a statement to Fox News, describing him as an “invaluable member” of the White House who will continue to assist the administration from the outside.
“Richard has been an invaluable member of the White House and has helped deliver some of the Administration’s biggest victories. While he will be leaving us, Richard will continue to help from the outside as we continue to work with all of our strength to deliver for President Trump and his courageous fight to Save America,” Miller said.
The move ends Walters’ months-long tenure in the role, which he was appointed to in May 2026, according to LegiStorm. Walters previously served as executive director of the inaugural committee for Trump and Vice President JD Vance, according to Georgetown University, where he was a fellow at the Institute of Politics and Public Service.
TRUMP NAMES STEPHEN MILLER NEW WHITE HOUSE CHIEF OF STAFF, REPLACING SUSIE WILES
The departure marks the first major staff turnover as Miller prepares to install his own leadership team when he takes over Monday. The move is part of a broader effort by Trump to overhaul his administration following the midterm elections, in which Republicans lost control of both the House and Senate.
Miller’s wife, Katie, on Sunday also announced that she would stop recording new episodes of her show, The Katie Miller Podcast, where she interviews political figures, athletes and other public personalities.
She said the decision was based on what was best for her children and family as her husband’s new role brings a shift in priorities.
“With @StephenM taking on this new role for President Trump, I’ve decided to stop recording new podcast episodes,” Katie said in a post on X.
“Nothing is more important than raising our four kids. While I’ve loved the podcast, the time commitment is too great and now is the time to step away. I’ll be cheering President Trump and his team on from outside the administration,” she added.
Katie said the podcast will release two more episodes that were recorded before her decision.
Trump named Miller as his new chief of staff Friday, calling him one of his “most trusted advisors.”
A White House official told Fox News Digital the decision was also “very amicable” and Wiles handed in her resignation Thursday night.
